NSW Government releases its music inquiry findings

The NSW Government has today released its findings from a year-long inquiry into the music and arts economy in New South Wales.

Last year, it was announced that the NSW Government was set to hold an inquiry into the state’s cultural economy, which had been hotly-debated following such controversial decisions as the implementation of draconian lock-out laws.

As the months continued, a number of submissions were received by the inquiry, which also held eleven public hearings around the country, and heard from members of The Preatures, Hoodoo Gurus, The Screaming Jets, Client Liaison, KLP, and The Rubens.

Now, almost a full year later, the inquiry’s finding have been released via a whopping 351-page report.

Titled The Music & Arts Economy In New South Wales, the report outlines a handful of findings, while making a number of recommendations, including establishing a Music Development Office, promoting live and all-ages gigs, and conducting a live music venue census every two years.

Among its findings, the inquiry notes that:

1. That there is massive potential for the contemporary music sector in New South Wales. The recorded music sector has grown rapidly over the last two years via online streaming. The majority of the industry is based in New South Wales.
2. That if New South Wales were to match Victorian funding for contemporary music per capita, it would require an expenditure in New South Wales of at least $35 million over the four years of forward estimates.
3. That New South Wales has a music venue crisis, the causes of which are complex, but it is impacting negatively on the grassroots music scene in New South Wales, and on the national and regional touring circuits.
4. That the committee found no research available that suggested that music causes violence. In fact, the majority of the evidence the committee received suggested that music assists in preventing violence.

“It’s heartening to see our State Government acknowledge the incredible talent of our artists, the resilience of our communities and also the impact poor regulation is having on our industry,” stated  MusicNSW’s managing director, Emily Collins, of the inquiry’s findings.

“MusicNSW is thrilled with the Committee’s recommendations and report and look forward to seeing the Government’s response.”

Likewise, MusicNSW chair Julian Knowles echoed this sentiment, explaining, “MusicNSW welcomes this extremely comprehensive report and commends the committee members for their commitment to music in NSW.”

“The report’s value lies in its broad consultation base and its fully ecological view of current challenges and opportunities.”

“The report identifies a number of critical areas in which barriers need to be removed and where further strategic investment is required in order to fully potentialise the state’s music industries,” Knowles continued.

“MusicNSW stands ready to play a positive role in working with the government to make progress on the recommendations to allow NSW music to achieve its full potential in the global music market and to make NSW a fertile place for artists, audiences and music businesses alike”.

Additionally, Committee Chair, Hon Paul Green MLC noted that “while there are many recommendations, I personally think that its time the NSW Government give music the attention it deserves given its importance to the state’s economy.”

“So, the committee has recommended that the Premier appoint a Minister for Music, the Arts and Culture in place of the Minister for the Arts, or appoint a Minister for Music in addition to the Minister for the Arts.”

The full report, The Music & Arts Economy In New South Wales, can be found here.

Check out Tash Sultana performing at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre:

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.